Lairdside Maritime Centre

Welcome to the Lairdside Maritime Centre

Lairdside Maritime Centre currently provides the facilities to meet the training needs of the maritime industry. At the heart of the Centre is a ship-handling simulator that is amongst the most advanced in Europe and currently the only one in the UK with a 360° field-of-view visual system.

The facility enables marine pilots, shipmasters and senior navigating officers to develop and practice their skills in a realistic but risk free environment. Mariners can be placed in geographically accurate virtual marine environments aboard one of the Centre's three ship bridges, which respond and react just like one would expect at sea. The main bridges 360° field-of-view allows mariners to practice approaching locks and berths, connecting tugs and bringing vessels of all types and sizes safely alongside, incorporating any number of mechanical failures and breakdowns.

The lecturers are qualified Master Mariners or have appropriate professional maritime qualifications along with management and teaching qualifications. The administrative staff provide a professional administrative service and are available to help with all enquiries.

The University is keen to promote staff development and recently achieved the Investor in People award.

The Centre is easily accessible by road being close to the motorway network, rail and both Liverpool and Manchester Airports.

"A breath of fresh air to receive such a high standard of service in both organising and delivery of the ECDIS course".

"Excellent simulator facilities".

"Very helpful, excellent service".

"The Centre set up and conducted a bespoke course to comply with the requirements of the ISPS code. This was well received by all course members and feedback was positive in all aspects of the course".